Under the 8

And…we’re back! The 2020 Cross the Line Paddle for Veterans launched from St. Marys early this morning, Saturday June 20th. Tarah and Christy were able to sit down with the board and event organizers at the after event today at the Florida House and Green Turtle. Lunch was served to all of the paddlers and … Continue reading Episode 47: Cross the line 2020 →

In this episode we talk with Kevin McCarthy, owner of Amelia River Cruises and Chair of the Marina Advisory Board about the current state of the Fernandina marina and the future of the waterfront along the river. We hope you enjoy this episode of Under The 8. Amelia Island River Cruises Amelia River Cruises and … Continue reading Episode 46: Kevin McCarthy →

Episode 1: Meet the Team Today we are at the Florida House attending the Foar From Home team meeting. This team of four veterans, Paul Lore (Marines), Hupp Huppmann (Navy), Billy Cimino (Army) and Cameron Hansen (Air Force) will be participating in the 2021 Talisker Whiskey Challenge to raise awareness about issues facing our nation’s … Continue reading Special Series: Foar from Home →

Under the 8 is in the lobby of the main theatre of Amelia Community Theatre today. ACT presented their first performance in May of 1981 with the play Butterflies are Free. in 1988 they moved to Studio 209 and in 2008 began construction on the main theatre, funded solely by donations, which is virtually unheard … Continue reading Episode 46: Linda McClane – Amelia Community Theatre →

Cross The Line – Paddle for Veterans took place on Saturday, June 15, 2019. Over 60 kayakers paddled from St. Mary’s Georgia to Fernandina Beach to raise money and awareness around the issues of PTSD and fighting Veteran’s suicide. This event was the brainchild of locals Paul Lore and Bill Cimino. Chris Kuntz from Fight … Continue reading Episode 45: Crossing The Line →

Under the 8 headed down to Central Park early on Saturday, June 8, 2019 to be a part of this historic event – Fernandina Beach Pride Parade and Festival. Thousands of people came to watch the parade, listen to speakers, including our city commissioners and dance to the live music.

The Fernandina Beach City Commission on Tuesday unanimously adopted a human rights ordinance that would protect workers from discriminatory conduct in workplaces, financial institutions and public accommodations based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, military or veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.  The 2nd reading of the ordinance will … Continue reading Episode 43: Fernandina Beach Pride →

Today we sat down with Amber and Aaron Bullington of Amelia Island Kayak Excursions. Mark Bullington, father of Amber and Aaron and founder of AIKE was out on the water. Looking for the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon, or catch the sunset or explore Cumberland? A good paddle is what you need. Website: … Continue reading Episode 42: Amelia Island Kayak Excursions →

Our island showed up in force several weeks ago for the city commission meeting concerning the development on Citrona. Growth is an important issue to many of us. So we decided that this was a good time to bring the podcast to the people.  Over 45 people gathered at The Florida House Inn on Tuesday, … Continue reading Episode 41: Growth, Comprehensive Plans and Preserving our Island →

One of the goals of Under the 8 has been to introduce the people who are part of the fabric of Fernandina Beach. Today we are talking with Bill and June Peters. The Peters have lived on Amelia Island a number of years: they met at the mill where June worked in the office and … Continue reading Episode 40: Bill and June Peters →

The Maritime Foriest is an integral part of the ecosystem of Amelia Island. The current city government has approved the development of 30 homes, perched on the edge of the greenway, in the Citrona maritime forest. Many city residents are outraged; asking the city to slow down, gather information and make an informed decision before … Continue reading Episode 39: saving our maritime forests →

For our first episode of Amelia Island Museum of History’s Heritage Keepers Series we are sitting down with Dee Dee Bartels. Many know her name because of the county park and boat ramp at the north end of the island. She has also been president of the local Historical Society, starting the Restoration Commission, she … Continue reading Heritage Keepers: Dee Dee Bartels →

On the first Friday, 6 months of the year, downtown Fernandina beach is transformed, Centre Street is closed at 2nd St. a stage goes up – families stream in – moms, dads, grandparents, teenagers, little kids, and, of course, the pirates, all coming together for a free concert. First Fridays have also become a draw … Continue reading Episode 38: Chuck Hall & Sounds on Centre →

In this episode we visit Townie’s Pizza to talk with Justin Wentz and Emily Riddle, owners of Trivia 30, a local trivia hosting business. Trivia nights occur all week at several locations on the island-information can be found on their website and Facebook page. Website: Trivia 30 Facebook: Trivia 30 Thank you to Townies for the interview … Continue reading Episode 37: Trivia 30 →

In this episode we talk with Fernandina’s favorite Swedish window cleaner, Per Andersen, about his business, Ocean Spray Window Cleaning, music, and life on the island. Website: Ocean Spray Windows Facebook: Ocean Sprays Window Note from Per: I should have brought the pink guitar today! But here is a mellow version of “the window cleaning song” written … Continue reading Episode 36: Per Andersen – Ocean Spray Window Cleaning →

One of the best perks of this podcast business is watching change in action. Back in May we aired an episode about a new group on the island that was just starting to talk about our marina. At that time the Citizens for Restoration – Fernandina Harbor Marina had about 50 members. They are now … Continue reading Episode 35: Music for the Marina →

For this episode we talk with Theresa Sparks, local LGBTQIA +  activist about the recent controversy around the raising of the gay pride flag over City Hall, community inclusion, and life on the island. Additional photo credits: Deborah Dunham For more information about the Gender Unicorn: www.transstudent.org/gender Nassau Inclusive Coalition for Equality (NICE) contact: NassauEquality@gmail.com

The Fernandina Harbor Marina is a key component of the economic and recreational activity of the Historic downtown. The Marina creates a busy waterfront with a lively ambiance delighting residents and visitors year-round. Unfortunately, 2 years ago Hurricane Matthew destroyed a large portion of the marina, and to this day, the area remains an eyesore … Continue reading Episode 33: Fernandina Harbor Marina →

For this episode we visit local artist, Julie Delfs, at her studio downtown. Julie moved to Fernandina Beach in 2016, drawn to the ocean and the relaxed island lifestyle which is her greatest inspiration. Resin epoxy is a fluid material that lends itself well to a “just let it flow” type of attitude that is … Continue reading Episode 32: Julie Delfs – Resin Works Fluid Art →

In this episode we talk with the Fernandina Ukulele Group at the Amelia Island Art Association. We talk with members about their music, Island life, and learn about this happy little group. Best wishes to Julie Ferreira for a speedy recovery. FUN (Facebook page): https://www.facebook.com/Fernandina-Ukulele-Network-FUN-910699122333676/ Amelia Island Art Association: http://islandart.org/

Today we are visiting one of the sweetest spots on the island-Nana Teresa’s Bakery to talk to Teresa and Mark Markarin about cakes, soda fountains, and sprinkling happiness all over Fernandina. Enjoy! (additional photo credits: Charlotte Eckman)

This episode celebrates Earth Day and the many wonderful naturalist and preservation organizations on our island. We encourage each of you to get involved in keeping earth beautiful and healthy. Enjoy! Our guests: Robyn Nemes, Wild Amelia & Junior Naturalists http://wildamelia.org/ Karen Klizma, Keep Nassau Beautiful https://keepnassaubeautiful.org/ Julie Ferrera, Sierra Club https://www.facebook.com/SierraClubNassauCounty/

This episode was recorded at Buy Go on Monday, March 26th. We invited members of Beech Street Blues Band: Michael Hawthorne, Jeff Malone and Ronnie Stoots to be our guests and share their memories of one of Fernandina’s most beloved personalities, Dan Voll. Whether playing in a band, listening to him while enjoying a drink … Continue reading Episode 28: Dan Voll Tribute →

Today we got to hang out with Gill and Barbara Johnston – the freshness fanatics at Nuanz Coffee Roasters.  In addition to learning more about them and the business of coffee and tea, we got to sample some of the Sumatra Roast (did you know a small spoon of sugar brings the taste out?) and … Continue reading Episode 27: Nuanz Coffee Roasters →

To start off our 2018 season, we decided to turn the tables and invite in a guest host, Jack Warren – host of Top Coach Podcast (and full disclosure – Tarah’s dad). Jack will be interviewing us about the podcast, why it came to be, our favorite moments and where we see it going. Enjoy. … Continue reading Episode 26: Tarah and Christy →

In this episode we visit Nathalie Wu at her new restaurant, Wicked Bao, to talk about Asian Street food and life on the island. The new restaurant will be open soon. Follow the progress on the Wicked Bao Facebook page. Click here for the Wicked Bao Facebook Go Fund Me page: Friends of Natalie

In this episode we have an impromptu interview with John Sayles and Maggie Renzi at the Rendezvous Film Festival and listen in to the Talk Back session on Friday, Nov. 17th. John  filmed “Sunshine State” in Fernandina and was the featured speaker at the 10th anniversary of the festival. Sunshine State John Sayles Blog

In this episode we visit Chuck Olivia and Patty Smith in their home to talk about the upcoming Amelia Island Rendezvous Film Festival and their documentary highlighting the local music scene, O Amelia! The Rendezvous Film Festival is celebrating 10 years! The festivities begin on Thursday, Nov. 16th. There is a line-up on films and … Continue reading Episode 23: Chuck & Patty & The Rendezvous Film Festival →

For this episode we are back at The Patio Place talking with Philippe Boets about Petanque America, the upcoming tournament and his love of Amelia Island. Philippe brought us several goodies including stickers and cookies from one of the tournament sponsors Jules Destrooper a Belgium cookie company that gives a box of Butter Crisps to … Continue reading Episode 22: Philippe Boets & Petanque America →

This is a very haunted episode of Under the 8 from Bosque Bello Cemetery, a notoriously spirit filled spot on the island. Sherry Roberteen, a Fernandina local who is the keeper of some of the areas best kept stories, will tell tales of ghostly sightings around the island.

This episode is the second episode of our two part series with candidates for Fernandina Beach City Commission.  We are talking with candidate Phillip Chapman at BUYGO. It was important to us to provide equal time to all candidates for City Commission. We asked the other candidate in Group 2  Tim Poynter, (currently seated on the … Continue reading Episode 20: Group 2 Candidate for City Commission →

Today we were at Buy-Go with the three candidates for Fernandina Beach City Commission: Chip Ross, Medardo Monzon & Orlando Avila. We posed the questions that the community asked on Facebook. This is your chance to learn more about  the City Commission candidates. We hope you take this information and exercise our greatest right and … Continue reading Episode 19: Group 3 Candidates for City Commission →

In this episode we visit Shady Ladies Art Gallery and chat with the Shady Ladies themselves about their upcoming first anniversary party. We also discuss their art, gallery events, the origin of the Shady Lady name, and of course on the island. Our co-host Baby Luke is also with us for this episode as you … Continue reading Episode 18: Shady Ladies Art →

In this episode we talk with Jeff McDowell and the guys from the Maritime Museum of Amelia Island about a special WWII find that is now on display at the museum. We also hear about treasure hunting and a little island history.

In this episode we talk with vendors and shoppers at the Grand Opening of Fernandina’s new neighborhood Grocer, Buy-Go. Located in the old Fred’s location, this store offers food, toiletries, coffee, wine, and more. As always we urge you to shop small and local. Enjoy!

In this episode we visit our favorite neighborhood toy store, Villa Vilakulla to play and chat with owner, Theresa Duncan. Named for the beloved landmark on the island, Pippi Longstocking’s house, this store offers fun for every age-from stuffed animal sleepovers to toys from your childhood. Enjoy!

For the one year anniversary of Under The 8 we invited past guests to PJD’s to celebrate with us. While we did not record a formal episode, we did set up the microphones to record our conversation and to have our guests tell us how appearing on the podcast changed their lives. This episode highlights … Continue reading Episode 14: Happy 1st Birthday to Us! →

We love local our local businesses! This is the first in our new addition to the podcast-a once a month local business spotlight. In this episode we get to know Grocery Getters and Amelia Toffee. Please support your local small business!

In this episode we visit Violin Maker, Will Howery, at his home to see his violin workshop and talk with him about his violins. Will recently left his corporate job to pursue his passion full-time. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Will about violins and his life on the island.  

In this episode we talk with local Zoologist and researcher, Mac McIntyre about his travels to remote areas of the world searching for wild pigs and dogs.  Mac also gives us his perspective on the likelihood of a Bigfoot existence and coyotes on Amelia Island.

In this episode we talk with Dave Scott about his blog, new column in Folio weekly, and his life on the island.  

Fresh local foods and local handmade goods are sold every Saturday are a highlight of island life. In this episode we head over to historic downtown Fernandina to talk with the director and vendors at the Farmers Market.

On this episode we talk with Fernandina native Rob Hicks about his new book highlighting famous locals from the past and present day. Also in this episode, we moved from the Book Loft to Pajama Dave’s new wine and beer garden, PJD’s to enjoy craft beers, island breezes, and the company of locals.

This episode of Under The 8 celebrates Fernandina Beach’s favorite harmonica playing pineapple and peanut salesman, Felix Jones. To celebrate his birthday, locals share their favorite Felix stories with us.

His life is better than your vacation. As one of the most recognized faces on the island, Pajama Dave is living the dream. In this episode of Under the 8 we visit PJ’s Pajama Life store downtown to talk with him about his life in Fernandina, why he wears pajamas every day, boat tours, his … Continue reading Episode 8: Pajama Dave →

On this episode of Under the 8-We visit American Beach and museum and chat with Thea Seagraves who shares her first encounter with the Beach Lady and a few stories of this historic beach.

Today we talk with Sinda Nichols about her role as the Bell of Amherst and her Live Ink Theater projects.

The odd octagonal building just off of 8th Street is the subject of much curiosity in Fernandina Beach. In this episode of Under the 8, Christy and Tarah talk with Amelia Musical Playhouse owners, Jill and Gregg Dillingham, about their theater and most recent in the works production, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, as well as … Continue reading Episode 5: Amelia Musical Playhouse →

This October, Fernandina Beach residents lived through the most powerful storm that the island has seen in years. Local hurricane hero, Chad Bridges and former Mayor, Johnny Miller, talk with Christy and Tarah about their unique perspectives during the storm. Chad Bridges stayed behind, posting video and picture updates for those who chose to evacuate. … Continue reading Episode 4: Hurricane Matthew →

In this episode we chat with local artists William and Kathy Maurer about their art, island life, and travels. We also take a side trip to the north end of the island to visit with Billy Burbank to hear a story about his family business, Burbank Trawl Makers, operating in Fernandina for over 100 years, for our new … Continue reading Episode 3: William and Kathleen Maurer →

On August 18, 2016 songwriters came together at the Open Mic/Songwriters Night at The Patio Place. Ten very talented songwriters entered songs into the “Summertime” theme contest. Tarah and Christy were there to meet the organizers, talk with the musicians and bring you some of their songs. The guests and musicians for this episode are: … Continue reading Episode 2: Open Mic/Songwriters Contest Fernandina Beach →